Thousands gather in Brazil to repudiate Bolsonaro attacks on democracy

Thousands of people gathered this Monday in the main cities of the country to repudiate the attacks on Sunday perpetrated on the headquarters of the three powers by bolsonaristas radicals who sought to overthrow the government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

From various corners of the country, protesters called for punishment for those who participated in the anti-democratic acts and for former President Jair Bolsonaro, whom they accuse of inciting the violent actions.

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In fact, far-right radicals who do not recognize Lula as Brazil’s president invaded the headquarters of Congress, the Supreme Court and the Planalto presidential palace, leaving a blanket of destruction in their wake.

Gigantic posters with the phrases “Fascism will not win!” “No amnesty for the coup plotters”, “Brazil against terrorism” and “Democracy in peace” flooded the main streets and squares of the country.

Demonstrators take part in a protest against anti-democratic riots and in support of Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (REUTERS/Carla Carniel/)

Called by trade union centrals and left-wing parties, the protests spread to at least eleven of the country’s 27 states.

In Sao Paulo, Avenida Paulista, the city’s most iconic thoroughfare, was packed with protesters, mostly young people dressed in red, the color with which the Brazilian left identifies.

The same happened in Cinelandia square, the traditional place of protests in Rio de Janeiro, where hundreds of Brazilians gathered to say “no to terrorism” under a roof of umbrellas because of the rain.

“No amnesty, no amnesty, no amnesty!” it was the most heard chorus in all the demonstrations, as well as slogans in favor of democracy and calls for Bolsonaro to be jailed.

Demonstrators take part in a protest against anti-democratic riots and in support of Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (REUTERS/Carla Carniel/)

The protests had the greatest impact in the northeast and southeast of the country, but little was seen in the south of Brazil, traditionally right-wing regions.

So far some 1,500 people have been arrested for the attack on the seats of power and investigations are underway to find out who was behind the attempted coup.

Source: Elcomercio